When government is busy blowing smoke . . .

Posted by JoeAm on January 9, 2019 · 58 Comments 

By JoeAm Lunacy simply defined is a departure from reality where reality is an accurate reading by our senses of our surroundings. If our emotional or intellectual capacities are damaged in any way, then our readings may be wrong and self-punishing. Instead of what ā€œisā€, we risk overlaying the real world with what enters our … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Education, Philippine Government

The speech of Secretary Locsin at the United Nations in favor of the Global Compact for Migration

Posted by JoeAm on January 4, 2019 · 87 Comments 

Preface by JoeAm Foreign Affairs Secretary delivered a speech explaining the Philippines’ vote FOR the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. It was received with sustained applause. The Secretary covers a lot of ground in his speech, trips the delicate diplomatic dance without being shy, and delivers the view of the Philippine nation … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Philippines needs a moral revolution

Posted by JoeAm on December 21, 2018 · 105 Comments 

By JoeAm I must leave it to Philippine citizens to talk about and undertake specific political acts like whom to elect. The current government is not inclined to look favorably on foreigners intruding into their electoral affairs, especially if they have contrary ideas. I also avoid discussions of overthrow or revolution and cringe every time … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Balangiga Bells: Philippine Liberty Bells

Posted by JoeAm on December 19, 2018 · 186 Comments 

By JoeAm I’ve started liking those bells, those Balangiga Bells, for what they represent. For a long time, they were an embarrassment for me, attaching my heritage to a symbol of American brutality and the racism that was prevalent at the time. I wished they would just go away and for sure wished President Duterte … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Vantage points

Posted by JoeAm on December 17, 2018 · 62 Comments 

By JoeAm Vantage points are the problem, and they are the opportunity. This arose the other day during a debate here in the blog discussion forum. I argued that: “One’s vantage point defines what one sees. It may not be ignorance.” I made this top-of-mind remark in response to a readerā€™s observation that some view … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Education, Technology/Internet